Onychomycosis makes your nails brittle and discolored, which is unpleasant, unhealthy, and really embarrassing if anyone notices.If left untreated, the nail may crack, split, or even fall off completely.
Dermatophytes live in warm, moist environments and are easily spread through contact or household items. You are especially at risk if you have diabetes, a weak immune system and a smoking habit.
Oral antifungal tablets, creams, nail treatments, and other commercial treatments certainly work, but sometimes you can use inexpensive home remedies.Such as tea tree oil and apple cider vinegar.
How effective is it?
Fungi thrive in moist, alkaline environments with a high pH, and apple cider vinegar (ACV) is acidic and also contains antifungal and antibacterial properties that can fight nail infections and prevent them from recurring.
Use apple cider vinegar on your feet and say goodbye to nasty fungal infections.
How to Use Apple Cider Vinegar to Treat Onychomycosis
Apple cider vinegar is completely safe and has many benefits for children and adults.The following ways to use apple cider vinegar will help treat and prevent onychomycosis without any side effects.
1. Soak in Apple Cider Vinegar
- Take a bowl and mix equal parts apple cider vinegar and water.Make sure the solution is enough to soak your toes or hands.
- Soak for 30 minutes, then dry with a soft towel.
- Let your feet or toes dry completely to remove any remaining moisture.
- Massage your toes with a mixture of tea tree oil, coconut oil, or oregano oil for a few minutes.
- Repeat this process regularly.
For best results, use warm or cold water.
Trim your nails before surgery. This will help the vinegar penetrate deeper into the epidermis and work more effectively.Never use vinegar twice—dump the water immediately after your bath.Soaking in contaminated water has no effect and may slow down the healing process.
2. Apply apple cider vinegar directly to nails
This process can be used after bathing or at any time of the day.When vinegar is undiluted, it provides more effective results.But if you can't tolerate using apple cider vinegar directly, you can dilute it with a few drops of water.
- Pour a few drops of apple cider vinegar directly onto the infected nail.
- Let it dry completely.
- Repeat at least 2 times a day.
3. Consumption of apple cider vinegar
Drinking diluted apple cider vinegar to treat nail fungus can boost your immune system and help fight infection from within.
- Add 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar to half a liter of water.
- Drink this solution throughout the day.
- When you feel thirsty, drink calmly.
NOTE: If you can't stand the taste of apple cider vinegar, add 1 teaspoon honey.
4. Apple cider vinegar and rice noodles
- Mix 2-3 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar with some rice flour (coarsely ground) to make a paste.
- Apply the paste to the infected nail and scrub gently to remove dead particles.
- After brushing, leave the mixture for a few more minutes.
- Rinse with water and dry nails thoroughly.
- Repeat this process regularly.
Optional: You can use an antifungal ointment.
5. Apple cider vinegar plus salt
The salt gently exfoliates the skin and nails, which helps the healing properties of apple cider vinegar work more effectively and faster.
- Mix 1/3 cup each of apple cider vinegar and Epsom salt with 2 cups of hot water.
- Mix well and soak your toes or fingers for 30 minutes.
- Repeat this process 1-2 times a day.
NOTE: The longer you wait, the better the results will be.
6. Apple cider vinegar plus Listerine
This procedure can be used daily for mild to moderate conditions such as white spots and mild discoloration on the nails, thickening of the nails, swelling of the surrounding skin, pain, and dark discoloration.
- Add equal parts apple cider vinegar and Listerine to fill the tub.
- Mix well and leave your nails in the solution for 10-15 minutes.
- Use a toothbrush to gently scrub your nails and surrounding skin.
- Dry your nails completely.
7. Apple cider vinegar, borax, hydrogen peroxide and hot water
- Add 2 tablespoons of boric acid to hot water and dissolve.
- Now add 1/4 cup each of apple cider vinegar, water, and hydrogen peroxide (3%).
- Mix well and soak nails for 30-45 minutes.
- Rinse with water and wipe thoroughly.
Repeat this process every day until the infection clears up.
8. Apple cider vinegar plus copper sulfate
Copper sulfate contains antibacterial and antifungal properties that can kill athlete's foot.
- Mix 40 ml of apple cider vinegar with 20 g of copper sulfate.
- Mix well and pour the mixture into a one-liter spray bottle with water.
- Spray the solution on the affected nail and let it dry completely.
Repeat this process regularly.
9. Apple cider vinegar, peroxide and antibiotic ointment
- Mix 1 capful of apple cider vinegar and peroxide.
- Dip the tip into the mixture and rub it into the affected area.
Note: The solution may fizz, but the reaction will occur within a few minutes.
Repeat 3 times a day.
Apply antibiotic ointment to the onychomycosis during the day.
Tips and Notes
Use organic, unfiltered, and unpasteurized apple cider vinegar for best results.
If using apple cider vinegar or soaking causes irritation, try diluting it with water.
Apple cider vinegar can wear down tooth enamel, so it is recommended to drink it through a straw.Adding apple cider vinegar to your daily diet can also help treat and prevent onychomycosis.
Sometimes nails may peel off with use - continue to use vinegar until new nails have fully grown back.This usually takes 2 to 6 months.
Whenever you go to a salon for a pedicure or manicure, make sure the staff only uses sterilized tools.Tools such as files, nail clippers, and nail polish can spread the fungus.
Trim infected nails regularly.
Never use the same towel to dry the affected nail.It’s best to use paper.
Wash your feet when returning from public areas such as locker rooms, showers, spas and swimming pools.
It's best to wear flip-flops instead of shoes until the nail fungus is completely gone.
Always apply antifungal powder before putting on socks.
Avoid sharing socks and tight shoes.
People with diabetes, peripheral vascular disease, or other conditions that limit blood flow to the legs should be especially careful when treating fungus.
Avoid nail polish and artificial nails as they create a moist environment and block the flow of oxygen.
Reduce sugar intake as it stimulates fungal growth.
If the above remedies don't work, consult your doctor.